Boxing machine



. A. H. KYLER BOXING MACHINE4 Filed April 27 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 /0 fre 1,496,714 A. H. KYLER BOXING MACHINE Filed April 27 1920 esheets-sheet 2 je 3 v 1924- June .3 1924. 1,496,714

A. H. KYLER BOXING MACHINE Filled April 27. 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 C1woraus .S

june 3 "1924.

lAQ-S, 7 l 4 A. H. KYLER BOXING MACHINE Filed April 27 1920 esheets-sheet 4 Je 3 g i924. ,496j714 1 y A. H. KYLER BOXING MACHINEFiled April 27. 1920 6 sheets-sheet s .Fume 3 1924.

A. H. `KYLER BOXING MACHINE Filed April 27 1920 6 Sheets-Sheet 6Patented lune 3, i924..

HT STAT man ALBERT HERBERT KYLER, OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TOTHE FREI) E. XNAPP COMPANYQ-OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND, A CORPORATION OFMARYLAND.

BOXING MACHINE.

Application filed April 27, 1920. Serial No. 377,001.

To all 'whom t may concern.:

Be it known that ALBERT HERBERT KYLER, citizen of the United States,residing at l/Vestminster, in the county of Carroll and State ofMaryland, has invented certain new vand useful Improvements in BoxingMachines, of which the following is a speciication, reference being hadtherein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to boxing machines for cans, cartons, and thelike, and more particularly to machines of the character wherein thearticles to be boxed travel along a runway and when properly positionedwith respect to the box, said cans through the medium of plungermechanism, are adapted to be forced into position within the box.

the foremost objects to generally. improve vupon the means forseparating the forward series of cans from the supply of cans on therunway, or the runways, as the case may be, to the end that thesucceeding cans of the supply will be maintained .in a relativestationary position while the forward series Iare moved under the actionof plunger or plungers. laterally with respect to the runway in theboxing operation.

vided for the above purpose, it has been as?v In many of the machinesnow on the market wherein can-separating means are procerta'ined that,owing to possible defects and slight variation in sizes of cans, thecanseparating means at times will not accurately engage at the properpoint between the cans to be separated, with the result that the labelsupon the cans become damaged, and in exaggerated cases stoppage anddamage to the parts ofthe machine proper have resulted owing to the canbecoming wedged between the can-separating means and the runway. Inorder to avoid any such possibility,

-it is contemplated herein to provide novel and efiicient can-separatingmeans, which may be said to be self-centering, in that the said means isnot only mounted for bodily movement, but is constructed of Such ma- -orcomposition, etc., and since in many terial that it is yieldable ofitself, and while of sufficient strength and rigidity to properlyperform the can-separating and retain-l ing function, will at the sametime -readily assume a proper position between the cans to be' separatedand in a manner not defacing or otherwise injuring the labelled can orparts of the machine.

It is a further object of the invention to provide simple, novel, andimproved means for properly positioning the box to receive the cans, andto maintain the box in a fixed or stationary position during the boxingoperation.

It is contemplated by the invention to providev a means useful inconnection with boxes of various types; that is to say boxes constructedof either wood, paper, metal, wire,

1nstances the material is of such character that when in position toreceive the cans, the sides of the box have a tendency to droop vor sag,it is proposed to provide means for effectively supporting the -sides ofthe box and to provide means to engage under that side yof the boxuppermost whereby to prevent any decided drooping, which, as has beenexperienced in prior constructions, oftentimes results in breakage ofthebox and interferes with proper assembling of the cans therein, owinto the tendency of the cans to engage at thelr ends the edges of thesagging portion of the box in the operation of the plungers;

It is a further object of the vinvention to provide novel means forsupporting and operating thel plunger or can-ejecting mechanism, anfltoprovide means operatively associated with the lastmentioned means foroperating the can-separating mechanism.

More particularly the invention includes foot-operated means forproperly positioning and maintaining the box in position during theoperation of the plunger or ejecting mechanism, and to provide novel andlimproved hand-operating means for performing the said ejectingoperation, together with means operatively associated with the latterwhereby to operate in proper timed relation to perform thecan-separating function.

Other improvements and novel details in the construction and arrangementof parts willbe appreciated from the description to follow, which for aclear understanding of the invention, is to .be considered .inconnection with the accompanymg drawlngs forming a part hereof, andwherein is disclosed for the purpose of illustration a convenient andsatisfactory embodiment of the invention,v though it is to be understoodthat or changesv may be resorted to and still elevation;

with thejassociated can-spacing be within the contemplation of theinvention. 'lln the dra Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine, partsof the runway and adjacentv parts being shown in section;

Fig." 1a is a detail section ofa part of the framework supporting thecan-assembling trame, one side'orl which latter is shown in Fig.- 2 is atransverse section of the boxing mechanism; i

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. l, with the plunger mechanism, however,in a forward position as distinguished from its vinitial position as insaid Fig. 1;

Fig. 4l' is aside elevation taken from the opposite side of the machinefrom Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the machine;

. drawings wherein like reference numerals refer 'to corresponding partsthroughout the several views, ,a suitable framework is provided,convemently of wood and compr1s1ng elongated sections J1, and supportedat the can feed end ot the machine by legs or l standards 2 and at thecan delivery end of adjusting the-degree of inclination,

the machine by legs or standards 3, the height of which is somewhatreduced with respect to that of Athe legs 2, whereby the frame will;assume a general inclination downwardly towards the delivery or boxing lend of the machina.`

l Any suitable means may be provided for it being the object to soarrange the runway-s position on said framework sections .1 that thecans will readily roll by gravity along the runway into can-boxingposition. rllhe frame sections 1 may be connected by any suitable numberand construction of brace bars 1B. Supported from and projectingtransversely with respect to the frame sections' 1 are the framesections 4, extending from the front to the back of the machine.Suitable means or standards 5 project from the forward portions of theframe sections 4` adapted to rest upon the surface. Mounted neem/ia uponthe frame sections 1 is a receiving receptacle 6 having thereincan-distributing means of any approved type, such for instance asillustrated in thepatent to C. W. Blackstone, No. 1,286,212, and notnecessary to show or descibe in detail herein, the purposeof ,thedistributing members being to guide the cans from the receptacle 6 ontothe superimposed runway sections 7. 'llhese runway sections have uprightrearv flanges 7 which extendv substantially throughout the length ofsaid runways, and forward flanges 7", which terminate at a pointopposite the can-ejecting mechanism to be presently described, wherebythe cans as they roll along the runways will be adequately supported bysaid flanges and whereas after assuming a can-ejecting position, theforward edge of therunway will be substantially free from anyobstruction, so that the cans may readily pass from the runways in thecan-filling operation. Suitable upright supports or castings 8 and 9project upwardly from they framework, the casting 8 having-an outwardlyinclined portion 8 which terminates at a point in advance of the frontedge of the runways. Secured fo the saidcasting 8 is a suitable sidewall, conveniently of metal, 10 which constitutes one side of what maybe termed a can-assembling frame. The bottom 11 of this frame isconveniently formed by a forward integral extension of the bottom of therunway member 7.

'llhe opposite side of the cant-assembling receptacle is likewiseconveniently formed of sheet metal as illustrated at 12, the same beingsecured to the upright casting 9, which latter as well as the side 12extends from a point adjacent the rear end of the runways to a pointconsiderably in advance thereof. rllhe castings .9 have suitable levellaterallyextending integral ledges 13 on the outer surface thereof, andboth the castings 9 and the side 12 have slotted ways 14 registeringwith said @anges or ledges 18 which latter are in substantial alinementwith theflower ends or the runways. which latter project,

lone through each I'of the slots 14 and rests upon an adjacent ledge 13to which latter the runways areJ secured in any desired manner. llt isthus appreciated that the upright supports 8 and 9 provide a substantialframe for the can-assembling receptacle, and also a substantial supportfor the runway sec tions. The sheet metal sections 10, 11, and 12 ofthecan-assembling receptacle or cage project forwardly beyond the framesection 1 of the machine and by reason of the relatively thin heet metalconstruction thereof these sections are adapted to readily engage withinand form a lining for the forward portion of the sides and bottomsections of the box as positioned on the can-assembling receptacle, and'by reason of the inclination ot the rear edge of the side the cans willlll@ readily pass over the walls of the can-assembling frame. box isprovided, the same taking the form of transverse bars 15.and adaptedwhen inv normal position to extend between and rest upon the framesections 4. Projecting between and secured to the upper-surface of thetransverse bars 15 are suitable Vmetal plates or slide ways 16 the rearends of which project beyond the rear transverse bars 15, asillustratedvat 17. The box support just described is mounted foroscillating movement by means of link connections 18 pivotally connectedrespectively at one end to the frame section 4 and at the other 'end tothe transverse bars 15. Extending between the legs at a point adjacentthe base thereof is a suitable supporting rod 19 pivotally connected tothe rear transverse bar midway of the ends of the latter and dependingtherefrom is a suitable lever arm 20 pivoted at -its lower end in anysuitable manner as indicated at 21 to the upper surface of the rear endof a foot-operating treadle 22 which latter is in turn pivoted midwayits ends as at 23 upon the supporting rod 19 intermediate the ends ofthe latter.

in position against unnecessary lateral play. From the above it will beappreciated that the box-supporting frame under the action of thefoot-operating mechanism, while normally resting on the frame sections4, will move rearwardly and upwardly, and assuming that the box is inproper position on said box support the latter, moving with its support,will engage over the projecting forward edges of the can-assemblingreceptacle, and under the pressure of the foot at the forward end of thetreadle 22 the bottom side of the box on the support will be tightlywedged between the bottom side 11 of tlfe assembly frame and the guides16 of the box support. This affords a very substantial and rigid supportand retaining means for the box during-the boxing operation, or unt1lpressure by the foot on the'treadle is y relieved, when, of course, thebox with the cans carried thereby will under the weight of the lattercause the box support to move 1n a reverse direction into contact withthe frame sections 4, and the box will be spaced,

when in this latter position, away from the can-assembling cage orreceptacle.

Inorderv t'o prevent the cans in the operation of the can-ejectingmechanism, to be A movable support for the` ywill now be described.

Suitable guides 25 taking the form off collars aihxed to the rod 19retain the treadle other portions of said edge. In carrying.

out this feature of the invention, it is proposed to employ uprightbrackets or supports 26 on the forward portions of the castings 8 and 12respectively, secured to the latter as at 27. lThese brackets have anoffset inclined upper terminal 2S, and projecting between said bracketsand resting upon said inclined portions thereof is atransversely-extending bar 29, which by reason of the inclinationthereof may engage within and constitute an abutment cooperating withthe movable box support to limit and assist in retaining the box inrigid position. Projecting forwardly from said bar 29 at a pointsubstantially midway of its ends is a suitable inclined lip or tang 30which at its forward end is designed to assume a position within thebox, and by reason of the inclination thereof, in thel movement of thebox, under the action of its movable support, gradually straighten y,out and support the upper side of the box.

The cairejecting er plunger mechanism Projecting downwardly from therear end of the frame sections 4 are suitable brackets 31 formingbearings 32 for a transversely extending rotatable rod 33. Affixed tosaid rod as atl 34 for movement therewith, though capable of relativeadjustment at will, are

operating arms 35 projecting upwardly to a point above the runways, andpivotally connected to the upper ends of said arms are the arms 36 of ahand-engaging bar or part 37. Suitable stops 38 on the arms 35 areadapted to be contacted by the arms 36 on the operating handle wherebyto limit the downward movement of the latter at a point spaced above theother parts o f the machine tothe end that the operator may grasp thehandle part 37 and impart the necessary movement back and forth thereof,without interference of any other parts of the machine. Pivotallyconnected to the arms 35, through the medium of pintles 39 are suitablebrackets 4() having arms 41, the number ofwhich latter depending uponthe number of can runways, and said arms being adapted to assume aposition one above each runway. movement with, the arms 41 of thebracket 40 are the plungers or ejectors proper 42, the latter beingattached to the arms 41 of the respective ybrackets and adapted toengage in the space above the runways a series of cans, the numberdepending upon the size of the box into which the cans are to beprojected. A suitable trackway is provided, the same taking the form' ofa bracket. 43 conveniently secured to the rear of frame section 1 as at44 and having an elongated horizontal surface 45 `adapted to be engagedby a suitable roller lill.)

lll)

Secured to, for

bearing 46 mounted in suitable bearings on hangers 47 depending from thelowermost plungers 42. lt ywill be observed that the plungers normallyassume a position to the rear of the ends of Athe cans supported on therunways, and assuming that the supply of .cans has been fed along ltherunways until the yforemost ones engage the side 12 of thecan-assembling receptacle, the operatorby impartinga forward movement tothe handle part 27 will move the arms about\theirpivotal supports withthe result that the plungers will be moved forwardly, the roller 46 andtrackway 45 guiding this movement, and' in said forward movement theplungers will force the cans out of the runways into a position in thecan-assembling receptacle. A reverse movement of the handle part 37 willof course, again position the plungers at a point rearwardly of and outof contact with a succeeding series of cans'in said runways.

ltpis highlyI desirable-to provide an efficient means to separate theforward series of cans in each of the runways, that is the cans to beejected, from the remaining cans in the runways, whereby to facilitatethe ejec'ting operation, and to this end novel canseparating means isprovided, Vsubstantially4 'as' follows A swinging arm 48 is pivoted atone end to a bracket 49 secured to the under surface of one of the framesections 4 as by means of a bolt 50 projecting through a slotted way 51in said bracket and engaging said frame section 4.J llntermediate theends of the arm 48 there is provided an extended curved slotted way 52forming a cam way for the reception of a pintle 53 -projecting; from oneside of the lever 35.

Projecting laterally from one side of the arm 48 is a pin or lug 54adapted to engage in a slot 55 in a cross-bar 56 which constitutes thebase ofthe can-sept Yator carriage or support. Projecting upwardly fromthe cross-bar 56 are rods 57 separated from one another by a spacesomewhat greater than the width of the runways, Iand these rods 57 areconvenientlylconnected to the gross-arm whereby to permit of verticaladjustment, in any desired manner. Projecting throughi the bars 57 at apoint above the horizontalt plane of the upper'surface of the adjacentcans on therunways are suit- Y able separator-blade supporting memberswhich, in the illustrative embodiment of the invention, take the form ofcotter-pins or bolts comprising a stem or shank portion 58 terminatingat one end in an eye 59 and split at its opposite end as indicated at60. A retaining nut 6l is adapted to be threaded' to the terminal pin,which latter when in proper position, determined by the position of thenut 61, may have its split ends spread as illustrated at 62 therebylocking the nut in iis adjusted position. 'lhe separating mesma "tion 59of the supporting pins 58, and interposed between the blade 63 and thebars 57 are spiral spring members 65. The spring members 65 arepositioned on the bolts or pins 58, and are adapted to engage at one endthe bars 57 and at their opposite end an integral offset upwardextension 64a of the eyes 64 whereby to normally exert pressure on theseparating blades 63 to tilt the upper ed e of the same substantially asillustrated 1n noted that as the se arating blades 63 are lowered, arelatively gat surface thereof will engage upon the periphery of therearmost cans of the series to be separated, and a continued loweringmovement of the blades will tend to straighten the sameby theengagemeiit of the latter between the rearmost cans ofthe forward series and the foremost cans of the succeeding series, the blades in thisconnection acting as self-centering devices, and because of theyieldable characteristic of the blades, themselves, as well as theyieldable `character of their supports, the engagementof the bladesbetween the adig. 6. From this construction it will be jacent. cans willbe a smooth, easy-riding f nor the vcans will be injured, and with thefurther result that the operation of the machine will not be interferedwith nor interrupted by a possible engagement of the separating-meanswith the periphery of thel cans at a point to one side or the other ofits normally operative position betweeny the cans to be separated.

A brief general review of the operation will now be given. 'vllheoperator, or operators, place within the can-receiving receptacle 6 asupply of cans which will automatically separate by reason of thedistributing means within the receptacle 6, so `as tofirst--fill thelowermost runway, the cans automatically' rolling to the lower endthereof, then to fill the next adjacent runway thereabove, and inally tolill the uppermost runway, the cans being continuously' supplied to thereceptacle 6 until the respec-Y tive runways are filled. as illustratedin Fig. 5. 'lhe operator thereupon places a box in position' on themovable box support., the box being slid along the guide bar 16 until itassumes a position adjacent or even projecting forward .por- 4 incontact with the ti' n of the can-assembling receptacle. Thereupon theoperator places his foot upon the treadle 22, and `by lexertinglpressure upon the lower end thereof, the box support is simultaneouslymoved upwardly and rearwardly until wedged into a rigid one, with theresult that neither the labels nts -movement of` said arms.

position in engagement between the box support and the cooperating partsof the can-assembling receptacle. The box will be maintained so long asthe foot is applied to the treadle in a stationary or rigid position. Atthis time the arms will assume a rearmost position, which is determinedby the rear abutments G7 on guideway plates 68, which said guidewayplates also have forward abutments 69 to limit the forward The boxhaving been properly positioned, and the foot pressure maintained, thehand-engaging part 37 is grasped and moved forwardly until the arms 85contact with the abutments or stops 69 just referred to. This operationtends to, through the medium of the pin and cam way engagement 52-53,cause the arm 48 to swing downwardly about its pivot 49, therebybringing the separating blades which normally assume a position abovethe cans to a position between adjacent cans, thereby separating aforward series of cans in each runway from the succeeding main supply ofcans.' By the time'the separating blades are in engagement with the cansto perform the separating function, the plungers 42 are in engagementwith the rear ends of the cans of each of the separating series andthese cans in the continued forward movement of the plungers are movedfrom oti the runways into contact with one another in the can-assemblingreceptacle. The operator, without releasing his foot from thetreadle,'tl1ereupon reverses the movement of the arms 35 through thehandle part'I 3T, which reverse movement tends to simultaneously returnthe plungers to a point in the rear of the runways, and likewisesimultaneously moves the arln 48 in an upward operation about itspivotal support 4S) whereby to position the separating blades G2 at apoint above the plane of the cans whereby the succeeding series of cansin each runway is released and will automatically assume the positionpreviously occupied by the foremost series of cans which have just beenejected into the can-assembling receptacle. subsequent forward movementof the handle 37 and associated paits tends tov position the next seriesof separated cans into the can-assembling receptacle, those cans at'thistime in the recep-` tact with the frame sections 4, which like# wisefrees the box from engagement with the projecting portions of thecan-assembhng frame.

It will be observed that while the foot of j the operator maintains thebox in position,

lboth hands of the operator are free, with the blades are fixed againstrelative lengthwise movement with respect to the cans. While theseblades are so associated with the plunger mechanism that they operate inproper timedrelation with respect to the latter, at the same time theblades do not, as in certain prior constructions, move lengthwise withthe plungers, which sometimes has a tendency to engage edges of thelabels on thecans with a resultant tearing action. In the presentinstance, the blades normally occupy a position a safe distance abovethe cans, and the blades arev supported at opposite ends with the resultthat as the supports are moved vertically, likewise the blades are movedvertically and maintained against any longitudinal rubbing action'against the labelled cans.

At times it ymay be desirable to adjust the throw of the plungers andthe vertical movement of the separating blades, and to this end thebracket 49 by reason of the pinand-slot connection with the framesections 4 may be adjusted lengthwise of the frame adjacent oppositeends and for' moving the same from a position normally above the cansinto a position between the peripheries of adjacent cans.- i t 2. In amachine of the character described, the combination of a runway forcans, to'

properly position the same for boxing or4 the like, and canfseparatingmeans comprising a member extending transversely across the runway andthereabove, ysaid separating member'being of yieldable material, meanssupporting said separating member adjacent opposite ends andfor movingthe Vsame from a position normallyaloove` the cans into` a positionbetween the peripheries of adjacent cans, and yieldable supporting meansfor the can-separating means.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combinationofejecting'mechanism for moving cans into boxing position, acan runway todeliver cans into positionwith respect tothe ejecting mechanism, andmeans for separating a forward .series of so-posi- ,positioned cans fromthe supply of cansu in 4the runway, comprising a blade projecting acrossthe runway normally occupying a po- 'eef sition above the runway, meansfor maintaining the blade against lengthwisemovement, and means formoving the blade down- -wardl into a position between the cans, saidblade eing of yieldable material whereby it may gives-throughout itslength and assume a proper position between the cans.

p 5. ln a machine of the character described,`the combination ofejecting mechanism for moving cans into boxing positlon, a Can runwaytodeliver cans into `positlon [with respect to the ejecting mechanism,

means for separating a forward series of sopositioned cans from thesupply of cans 1n L the way, comprising a blade or' :flexible fby-thelatter is contro material projecting acrossthe runway nor; mallyoccupying a position above the runway, means for maintaining the bladeagainst lengthwise movement, and means for moving the blade downwardlyinto a position between the cans, and means for opera-. tivelyconnecting the can-ejecting mechato nism with the can-sepiarating meanswhereed by the former, but

' may have independent relative movementl 6. ln a can boxing machine,the combinal 'tion of can-ejecting mechanism, a runway forpositioningcans 1nl operative position with respect to the ejectingmechanism, and can-separating means for se arating a forward series ofscositione cans from a r -supply of cans on t e runway comprising a `andbeing mounte memberprojecting \.transversely across the runway at a ointnormally above the. cans,

a relativel dat surface for oscil ating movesaid member avm ment. p

7. lin a can boxing machine, the combination of can-ejecting mechanism,a rimway lea for positioning cans in operatlve position with respect tothe ejecting mechanism, and can-separating means for separating atorward series or soositioned cansdrom a supply of cans ont-t e runwaycomprising an clon ated relatively thin flat member ot f means torfthemember,

dexi le material' projecting across the runway above the cans, movablesupporting said separating memrename ber being movable relative to itssupporting member, and means yfor moving said supporting means wherebyto permit the iat surface of said member to first engage the peripheryof a can and in a continued movement to engage the edge of said memberbetween the peripheries of adjacent cans.

8. ln a can boxing machine, the combination-or can-.ejecting mechanism,a runway for positioning cans in operative position with respect to theejecting mechanism, and can-separatin means for. separating a lorwardseries o so-positioned cans from a supply of cans on the runwaycomprising a sheet ymetal blade supported at opposite ends andlprojecting across the runway, said blade being mounted tor oscillatingmovement, and

vmlans for moving the blade bodily vertica y.

9. ln a can-boxing machine, the combination or can ejecting-mechanism, arunway for positioning the cans in operative position with. respect tothe ejecting mechanism, and can-separating means for separating aforward series of so-positioned cans from a supply of cans on the runwaycomprising upright supports, and a blade pivotally mounted at its endsupon said supports and projecting across the runway, and means formoving thel supports with the connected blade vertically.

10. ln a can boxing machine, the combination of can-ejecting mechanism,va runway for positioning the` cans in operative position with respecttothe ejecting mechanism, and can-se arating means for separating alforward series of so-positioned cans from a supply of cansr in therunway comprising 'upright supports, a blade pivotally mounted at itsends upon -said supports and projecting across the runway, springsupports for the blade normally positioning the same whereby as the sameare lowered they will engage the periphery of a can on the runway andwhereby the edge thereof will thereafter engage between adjacent cans,and "means for moving the supports vertically.

11. ln a can boxing machine, the combination of can ejecting mechanism,vertically-movable can-separating mechanism, including a separatingmember of yieldable material to engage between adjacent cans, means forsupporting said separating member whereby the same is xed againstlengthwise movement with respect to the cans, and .operativelyassociated means for operating the ejector mechanism and thecan-separating mechanism. i

12. ln a cmi boxing machine, the combination of can-ejector mechanism,and canseparating mechanism, a plurality or superimposed runways for"cans to position the lat-ter with respect to the ejector mechanism,y,said can separating means including sepavtransversely of and aboveeach runway,

means for maintaining said blades fixed against lengthwise movement withrespect to the cans, and operatively associated means for simultaneouslyoperating the ejector mechanism to eject a series of cans from each ofthe runways and simultaneously separate said cans from the succeedingsupply of cans on the runways.

13. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a plurality ofsuperimposed runways, can-ejector mechanism having plungers to engage aseries of cans and eject the same from the runways, and meansoperatively associated with the eject-ing mechfanism but fixed againstlengthwise moveyieldable blades ment therewith for separating theforward series of cans in each runway from the succeeding cans in therunways, comprising projecting transversely across the runway, one aboveeach runway, and means for moving the blades bodily in a verticaldirection.

14. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a plurality ofsuperimposed runways, can-ejector mechanism having plungers fto engage aseries of cans and eject the same from the runways, and meansoperative-ly associated with the ejecting mechanism for separating theforward series of cans lin each runway from the succeeding cans in therunways comprising bladesV of yieldable material projecting transverselyacross the runways, one above each of said runways, and supporting meansfor opposite ends of said blades adapted to move vertically whereby toposition the blades between adjacent cans.

15. In a can boxin machine, the combination of a plurality ofsuperimposed runways for cans to be boxed, a box support arranged infront of the runway, means for ejecting a series of-cans from eachrunway into boxing position comprising a plungersupport, plungersprojecting from said support, one to engage one end of the cans of eachseries to be ejected, an upwardlyextending operatingv armv pivotallysupported at its lower end and'pivoted intermediate its ends to saidplunger support` a forwardly-projecting operating' handle connected tosaid arm adjacent its upper end, can-separating mea`ns mounted forvertical .movement Iand xed against lengthwise movement whereby toengage between and separate the forward series of cans in each runway tobe ejected, and operative connection between said lcan-separating meanand said pivoted arm. 16. In a can `boxing machine, the combination ofla runway for cans to be boxed, a box support, a horizontally movableplunger to engage one end of aseries of cans on said runway to eject thesame into boxing position, a thin, flat, flexible can-separatingejected, means for moving the plunger horizontally', and connectedmechanismy for simultaneously moving the can-separating meansvertically.

17. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a can support,horizontally movy able can-ejecting means, a vertically movable lexlblecan-separating means ixed against horizontal movement, and connectedmechanism whereby to impart a horizontal movement of the ejecting meansand a vertical movement of the can-separating means, the can separatingmeans being adapted to yield independently.

18. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a can support,horizontally movable can-ejecting means, a vertically movable flexiblecan-separating means fixed against horizontal movement, connectedmechanism whereby to impart a horizontal movement of the ejecting meansand a verticalmovement of the can-separating means, and associated meanswhereby the movement of said' parts may be adjusted.

19. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a runwayfor" cans to properly position the same-fr boxing or the like, andcan-separating means comprising a thin fiat flexible strip of metal Ttion between the peripheries o f adjacent 'f cans.

20. In a can boxing machine. the combination of a box support, means forsupporting a series of cans, ejector mechanism flor the cans, andcan-separating means comprising a member adapted to move vertically froma position above the cans into a position between adjacent4 cans whilexed against horizontal movement, a support for the member, and a pivotedoperating arm for said last-mentioned support. i

21. In a can boxing machine. the combination of a runway for cans, asubstantially horizontally movable plunger to engage one end of thecans'to eject the same from their support into boxingv position, anoperating varm pivotally supported at one end and hav-l ing pivotalconnection intermediate its ends ing member, a transversely disposed arm7 pivotally supported at one end and having pivotal connection with thesupport for the can-separating member, and a pin-and-slot connectionbetween said pivotally-mounted arms.

22. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans, asubstantially horizontally movable plunger to engage one end of the cansto eject the same from their support into boxing position, an operatingarm pivotally supported at one end and having pivotal connection.intermediate its ends with the plunger, operating means for said armadjacent its opposite end, a can-separating member to be moved into aposition between adjacent cans to separate a series of cans to beejected by said plunger, a vertically movable support' for thecan-separating member, a transversely disposed armi pivotally supportedat one -end and having pivotal connection with the support for thecan-separating member, and a pin-and-slot connection between saidpivotally mounted arms, the pivotal support for the transverse arm beingadjustable.

23. lin a can boxing machine, the combination of a box support, meansfor supporting a series of cans, can-ejector mechanism, andcan-separating means comprising a vertically movable support, acan-separating blade, and a' pivotal connection between said;

blade and its support.

24. ln a can boxing machine, the combination of a box support, means forsupporting a series of cans, can-ejector mechanism, can-separating meanscomprising a vertically movable support, a can-separating blade and apivotal connection between said blade and its support, and a springmember,

interposed between the blade and its support.

2.5. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a support for aplurality vof cans to be boxed, a box support, can-ejector mecht anism,and means for separating a series of cans to be ejected into boxingposition from the supply of cans on said supporting means, comprising avertically movable` blade of yieldable material, a support for theblade, said blade having movable connection with its support, and aninterposed spring between the blade and its support.

*26, In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting aplurality of cans, can-'ejector mechanism, a can assemblinfr frame, andtreadle-actuated means for locking the box with its 'open end inposition to receive the cans from the assembling frame.

27. lin a can boxin machine, the combinationvof a support for aplurality'ot cans to be boxed, can-ejector mechanism, an assemblingframe for the-ejected cans, means on the latter to engage within the4inner surface of the top and bottom ot a box to inea- Meana ceive thecan, and means for maintaining the box in fixed position with respectt'o the assembling receptacle.

28. lln a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supportingcans to be boxed, a can assembling receptacle, can ejecting mechanism,saidreceptacle-having sides and a bottom, a box support adapted'tosupport a box in position with its sides overlying projectingportions of the sidesand bottom of the receptacle, and means for movingthe box supjjiortwhereby the box 'will be wedged into engagement betweenthe support and bottomtnt the receptacle.

nation of means for supporting cansto be boxed, a can assemblingreceptacle, can- 29. lin a can boxing machine, the combiejectingmechanism, said receptacle having sides and a bottom, a boxsupportfadapted to .support a box in position Ywith its sides overlyingprojecting portions Aolf vthe lsidesy and bottom of the receptacle, andan inclined member adjacent the top ,ot the receptacle adapted to engageunder that side ot the box disposed uppermost 4whereby to prevent N'drooping of the latter in' the can boxing operation.

I30. lin a can boxing machine, the combinav tion of means for supportinga series of cans 5 to be boxed, can-ejecter mechanism, a box supportadapted to position a box with the adj acentthe upper side thereof aspositioned on its support.

32. lin a can boxing mach-ine, the combinano I tion of means forsupporting a series of cans to be boxed, means engagin oneend of theseries of cansto eject the same into cairiboxing'posltion, mealu, forsupportlng `a boxA with an open side to receive t e cans, and a boxsupport having a part to engage the 1n- "ner surface of that side ot thebox disposed uppermost, said last-mentioned means aving an elongated.central incline projection to engage said upper side of the boxat apoint inteediate its ends;

cans to'be boxed, can-ejector mechanism, a box vsupport adapted toreceive a box" with the open end in position. to receive the cans, and acan assembling support interposed between the box supportand means forsupportingv the cans,l saidbox Support being 33. lln a can boxingmachine, the combinal tion of means for supporting a'plurality Vot iatmovable whereby to wedge the bottom side of the supported box betweenits support and the can assembling support.

34. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting aseries of cans to be boxed, ejector mechanism for moving the canslaterally from said support, a can assembling frame, a box supportmounted for oscillating movement, and means independent of the ejectorlmechanism for actuating said box support.

35. In a can boxing machine, thecombination of means for supporting aseries of cans to be boxed, vejector mechanism for moving the canslaterally from said support, a

can assembling frame, and means for supporting the box with an open endin position to receive the cans from the assembling frame, saidlast-mentioned means being movable whereby to move the box upwardly andrearwardly.

36. In a canboxing machine, the combif cans to be boxed, ejectormechanism for 'moving the cans laterally from said support,

a can assembling frame, means for supporting the box with an open end inposition to receive the cans from the vassembling frame, saidlast-mentioned means being movable whereby to move the box upwardly andrearwardly into tight engagement with the can assembling frame, andlever operating means for the latter.

37. In a can boxingmachine, the combination of means for supporting aseries of cans to be boxed, ejector mechanism for moving the canslaterally from said support, a can assembling frame, a box support forpositioning the box with an open end to receve :the cans from theassembling frame, said assembling frame having a base, and means formoving the box support whereby to wedge the bottom side of thepositioned box between said base of the assembling frame and thebox'support.

38. In a ,can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting aseries of cans to be boxed, ejector mechanism for moving the canslateraly from said support,

acan bling frame, abox support, and

link supports for the'box support whereby the latter may be subjected tooscillating movement.

39. In a can boxing machine, the combination of means for supporting aseries of cans to be boxed, ejector mechanism for moving the canslaterally from said support, a can assembling Jframe, a boxv supportmounted foi oscillating movement, and treadle actuated means to directly.engage the box support, and actuating the same independently of themovement of the ejector mechanism.

40. In a can boxing machine, the combination of a runway for cans, meansto engage one end of the cans on the runway to eject the same laterally,4a box support, and acan assembling frame interposed between therunway'and the box support, said frame comprising sides and.` a bottom,and said box support being mounted for movementwhereby to position' thebottom side of the box in holding engagement with said bottom of theassembling frame and the box support, and means independent of theejecting means for actuating the box support.

41. In a can boxing machine, the combi-` nation of a plurality ofsuperimposed runways for cans to be boxed, can ejecting mechanismarranged rearwardly of the runway and adapted to engage one end of aIseries of cans on each runway to eject the I same laterally from therunway into assembling position, a box support, and a can assemblingframe interposed between the runway and box support comprising upwardsupports, sheet-metal sides secured to said supports and a bottom, saidsides and bottom projecting forwardly beyond the sides of the runway andsaid uprig t supports, an inclined bar projecting between the supportsat the top, and a forwardly projectin inclined tongue intermediate theendso the said bar.

In testimony whereof I hereunto alix my signature in the presence of twowitnesses. ALBERT HERBERT KYLER. Witnesses:

FRED H. KNAPP, MARY ANN

